Windows 8 didn't introduce this scheme, just their version of it. Tiles are gaining popularity everywhere in computing because computer users are getting dumber, at least when it comes to computer use. Blocky, colorful tiles minimize information density and provide large, clear divisions between disparate pieces of information. Lists, on the other hand, maximize information while providing a more complex structure that requires a little bit more effort to grasp the first few times you see them.

It's a side-effect of generations that grew up with texting and Twitter and Geek Squad. They don't really understand how computers work, don't want to and won't try. On top of that, they're used to getting "information" in very short, low-value bursts. Details elude them and they're used to it.

This aggravates the fogies among us - myself included - who primarily use computers as a means of maximizing our information processing. We see the tiles and we see no detail and we say "WTF is that bullshiat, it doesn't even SAY anything! And it's name covers such a broad category it could mean almost anything!"

Whether this approach is superior or not remains to be seen. It aggravates the fark out of me though. I want maximal functionality in a small part of my screen, not minimal functionality covering all of it for god's sake. I'm sitting at a work computer, not a damned fast food order terminal...

/ haven't been back to NBC's website since they went to tiles// kind of happy for that tiles or otherwise, frankly

noblewolf:One person responds that after he figured out how to use it, he is warming up to it, and you go all ape shiat on how everyone needs to do this

Well, as he pointed out, Goldspider used to be one of the main detractors (and vocal Fark Windows 8 haters). I find it amusing that people are now "coming around to Window 8" by mentioning well published features that have been baked into the OS for nearly 2-years now.

It's as if people are now actually using the product and basing their opinion on fact, versus just repeating other people's ignorance.

It's also curious how Linux only accounts for ~2% of the users out there, yet in Fark Windows threads, roughly 1/3rd of the comments are all "Windoze 8 sucks - use Mint, KDE, Xubuntu, Red Hat, etc"

Mumbler:My Windows 8.1 has not been updated since November, gets an error when I try.I've checked every single page on the internet and tried every possible solution offered.

The only thing left to do is re-install Windows , and I really don't want to do that since I'd have to reinstall a lot of software. But I am concerned about virus patches. I'm hoping somehow this gets fixed on the server side and my updates start working. So this is not a good sign.

Did you try the "refresh windows" option that effectively reinstall windows without deleting your installs? Did you ask Microsoft tech support directly, instead of trolling random forums?

Abe Vigoda's Ghost:Flint Ironstag: Abe Vigoda's Ghost: jso2897: I installed a lot of updates yesterday, but it doesn't really look or act much different. If you click on the "start" symbol, you still get a completely incoherent page of stoopid tiles that blow up into full page soeak n' spell looking apps. It's pretty much the same shiat. Still garbage.

I just picked up a new notebook last week with Win 8.1.Installed Classic Shell. Went into the registry and added instructions to remove the annoying 'tips' bar that likes to pop out from the side and get in the way. Now it looks and behaves like Windows 7, but with faster boot times.

People should not have to do things such as this to make a workable UI in a new, non-tablet computer.This is why Windows 8 is getting such a bad rap.

Nope. Could not get Classic Shell to get rid of these, even with the hot corners disabled.

Those? They appeared after a fresh install and once I click on them I never saw them again. They're only for new users who didn't know there was a feature there. There's something wrong if they keep on appearing.